London: Elon Center Abroad (FIE) : Testimonials (London)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by Isabella Cannon Global Education Center
Testimonial
Change Agent
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Studying abroad has both changed and clarified my goals and aspirations for life. I would like to become (in English terms) a primary school teacher. My internship at the Kids Company in South London has solidified this aspiration. I worked with much younger kids at my internship and realized that I do indeed like working with the younger children versus the higher grades. I also can see myself living abroad for part of my life, something I had not anticipated or planned on for my future prior to studying abroad. My comparative education class has helped me decided just exactly what kind of teacher I would like to be and it has given me a more global perspective on the idea of education as a whole.
— Kerry Kurkjian, Spring 2013 |
Change Agent
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The internship experience experience was invaluable and gave me great direction in my career.
— Victoria Webster, Spring 2013 |
Change Agent
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It has taught me that I would like to one day work and live in London. I used the abroad experience to help me decide whether or not I would ever like to set up a life in Europe, and now I know that I would like to do so.
— Jordan Jeter, Fall 2014 |
Change Agent
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Through studying abroad, I have learned the true importance of independence, and figuring out your own path in life. I have also learned how being completely on your own further develops self-confidence. Therefore, studying abroad has further promoted my goal of hopefully starting my own business one day.
— Christian Kelley, Fall 2014 |
Change Agent
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Study abroad has enabled me to recognize some of my goals for the future. I now know that I want to teach abroad after I graduate and I believe that study abroad has given me the tools to do so.
— Abigail Bridge, Spring 2015 |
Interesting Course
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Shakespeare Literature
— Keith Hale, Spring 2013 |
Interesting Course
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Shakespeare & Elizabethan Literature. The professor was amazing. Everyone learns about Shakespeare in high school/ college and everyone dreads it. In this class I learned about things I never learned anywhere else about Shakespeare and his life. We also went on many field trips which helped experienced the culture.
— Stephen Kae, Spring 2013 |
Interesting Course
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I really enjoyed all my courses, but in particular, I enjoyed my Contemporary British Theatre course. Over seven weeks, I saw seven shows selected by my professor. I was expecting to attend a lot of West End/Broadway shows in London, but our course took us to some strange venues to see some very odd plays. The play I saw were off West End/Fringe shows. I saw a show in an old biscuit factory and watched Harry Potter's Mrs. Dursley perform "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" in tunnels under the underground system. It was these kind of experiences that I will remember forever.
— Kerry Kurkjian, Spring 2013 |
Interesting Course
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Shakespeare and Elizabeathan Lit
— Victoria Webster, Spring 2013 |
Interesting Course
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The most interesting class I took as actually my Elon guided course "Identity Across Cultures". We were given the opportunity to travel to museums, different cities, and different parts of London through this Elon program, allowing us students to see the marvels England holds. I discovered parts of the city I never thought I would, and saw museums I never would have been to unless guided towards them. I discovered myself through study abroad and it allowed me to grow as an individual as well as a student, meeting people I will never forget and experience things I am beyond fortunate to have experienced.
— Marika Bacciocco, Fall 2014 |
Interesting Course
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The most interesting course I took was Fundamentals of Finance. Through being a business major and having a math-oriented mind, I found great interest in this course and found success. Finance is an important aspect of business, which is another reason why I took great interest in the course.
— Christian Kelley, Fall 2014 |
Interesting Course
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The most interesting course I took was my British Life and Cultures class. I enjoyed this class a lot because I learned loads of information about British culture and British history and customs. This was helpful because I was able to more thoroughly enjoy my experience.
— Sean Lauwers, Spring 2014 |
Unique Aspect
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To most, studying in London seems to be the closest option to home while being abroad since England is an English-speaking country. Yet, London is so incredibly diverse and cultural. There were multiple times when I was the only English-speaking person on the tube. South Kensington, where we stayed, was the French district of London. Brick Lane has the best curry. The markets around the city show just how diverse London is. London is also part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A topic we continually discussed in our British Life and Culture course was identity. Londoners and anyone part of the UK (or even the European Union) struggle to identify themselves. As Americans, we know we are American. Someone born in London doesn't know whether to call themselves British or English or just a part of the UK. It's a very complicated matter. This interesting mix of culture and identity was most definitely unique to London and my experience in this incredible city.
— Kerry Kurkjian, Spring 2013 |
Unique Aspect
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This past four months were the best four months of my life. London is a marvelous city, and every single part of the city excited me and has made me more adventurous. London is a highly cultured and diverse city, and I think it is the best city to study abroad in because there is no limit on the things you can do. Every single day I did something different and met new people. I was never bored, and I even barely had any down time! It was absolutely the best experience I could have ever had.
— Marika Bacciocco, Fall 2014 |
Unique Aspect
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The most unique aspect of my program was how we went out into the city of London, and learned by doing rather than lecture. While lecturing was a teaching method, exploring London and seeing the city for ourselves taught myself a great deal about British life and culture.
— Christian Kelley, Fall 2014 |
Unique Aspect
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A unique aspect is the amount of international people living in London, I often felt like I was walking through multiple countries and cities while walking through London.
— Sean Lauwers, Spring 2014 |
Unique Aspect
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The fact that I had an internship abroad is really unique. I got to see how the work place culture varies based on where you're located.
— Abigail Bridge, Spring 2015 |
Share
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We are all humans. Though cultures may differ along with race, religion, and outlook on life, we are really all quite similar at the root of our humanity.
— Keith Hale, Spring 2013 |
Share
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I learned so many things about London and European culture while abroad. In British Life and Cultures, we continually discussed the concept of identity. As Americans, we are very sure of our identity as Americans. People born within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland never know what their identities are. A person born in London needs to decide whether to call themselves English or British - the two are very different. My friend from Northern Ireland considers herself British, which I thought was interesting since I have always considered her Irish. The identity discussion is something I really took away from my studies and experiences in London.
— Kerry Kurkjian, Spring 2013 |
Share
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I learned that I can navigate among multiple different environments and cultures and customs.
— Sean Lauwers, Spring 2014 |
Share
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I became a lot more independent during my time abroad. I became more confident in my own interests and goals and this can definitely be attributed to studying abroad in a completely new country where you have to adjust.
— Abigail Bridge, Spring 2015 |
Why Study Abroad
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Best four months of my life. DO IT. But save up a lot of money first. Do not limit yourself by trying to save money when abroad. And DON'T HOLD BACK. Try EVERYTHING. New food, new entertainment, everything! Don't be afraid to ask questions and meet people; talk to people! Make British friends! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and there is so much that can be gained from it!!
— Keith Hale, Spring 2013 |
Why Study Abroad
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In general, I would encourage all students to study abroad. My mom sent me a card in the beginning of my adventure telling me that she hoped I was having "the most life-changing, wonderful, fun experience ever." She told me that I might not realize the greatness of this opportunity yet, and maybe not until after I come home, but that I should really take advantage of this incredible experience. I've been home for about two weeks and I'm still discovering ways each day in which I have changed due to this experience. It's a growing and learning experience. You gain independence and a sense for adventure. You're a free spirit with a new outlook on your own personal life and the world around you. It's practically indescribable, but it's the best experience to have while you are discovering yourself and your life path in these few years at college.
— Kerry Kurkjian, Spring 2013 |
Why Study Abroad
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All students should study abroad. It is a once in a lifetime experience. In my four months in London I discovered more about myself, my surroundings, and the cultured city of London than I ever could have imagined. I was challenged in exploring and cultural differences, and have filled a place in my heart with the Elon study abroad program. I met some of my best friends in London, and they are people I had walked past on campus for the past two years. Study abroad pushes you to go beyond your comfort zone, and the Elon program helps you stay grounded while also giving you opportunities to expand your horizons and experience things you never thought were imaginable.
— Marika Bacciocco, Fall 2014 |
Why Study Abroad
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Every student should seriously consider taking the time to study abroad since it takes one out of their comfort zone, and truly teaches that person how to be independent and think for themselves by making their own decisions.
— Christian Kelley, Fall 2014 |
Why Study Abroad
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go! plan ahead, plan something for every day, learn public transportation
— Jacqueline Tilton, Fall 2014 |